In a strategic move to strengthen the digital capacity of small and medium-sized businesses, the Edo State Government, through its Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology (MDEST), has partnered with the Walkfront African Network (WAN) to roll out a comprehensive capacity-building programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state.
The initiative is part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at bridging the technology gap within the business ecosystem. According to the ministry, the training will focus on equipping business owners with key digital skills including e-commerce operations, online marketing, basic data management, digital security, and access to digital financial tools to help MSMEs thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.
“This partnership is a bold step towards actualizing our digital inclusion goals. The MSME sector is the heartbeat of Edo’s economy, and equipping them with digital skills ensures their relevance and competitiveness in the global marketplace,” a senior ministry official said.
The digital literacy drive comes on the heels of other tech-based interventions in the state. Earlier this year, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with Tech4Dev, trained over 3,000 civil and public servants on digital appreciation and business packaging. This was aimed at enhancing productivity and boosting public sector efficiency through digital innovation.
Additionally, more than 500 young people from Edo were trained in digital skills under the ‘Digi Link’ programme — a joint initiative involving the state government, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ACIOE Associates, and Public Digital. These initiatives are part of efforts to domesticate the Federal Government’s Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which seeks to harness digital technologies for national development.
In a related development, the state also partnered with MTN Nigeria to introduce tailored internet packages for over one million MSMEs. The plan was designed to help local businesses cut down on operational costs, improve connectivity, and enhance customer reach via digital platforms.
Through these efforts, the Obaseki-led administration continues to position Edo as a leading hub for digital enterprise, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic growth. The ongoing collaboration with WAN is expected to further deepen digital adoption among entrepreneurs, helping them scale their ventures in an increasingly online world.
As Edo marches steadily toward a knowledge-based economy, stakeholders have hailed the initiative as a timely intervention that will boost job creation, improve service delivery, and place local businesses on a stronger footing in Nigeria’s evolving tech landscape
